Published: December 2, 2024
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina congratulated Jay Shah as he officially began his tenure as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday. Taking to his social media platform, Raina expressed pride in Shah’s new role, calling it a significant milestone for Indian cricket.
“Proud moment for India! Congratulations to @JayShah bhai on being elected as the ICC Chair! Your dedication and passion for cricket will surely make a difference,” Raina wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Jay Shah’s Vision for Cricket
Jay Shah, who succeeds Greg Barclay, is set to bring fresh perspectives to the ICC during his term. In a statement released by the ICC, Shah shared his priorities, including leveraging cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and fostering the growth of women’s cricket globally.
“I am honoured to take on the role of ICC Chair and grateful for the support and trust of the ICC Directors and Member Boards. This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympic Games and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide,” Shah said.
Shah emphasized the importance of nurturing cricket’s multiple formats and exploring avenues to expand its global reach.
“We are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women’s game. Cricket holds immense potential globally, and I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights,” he added.
A Trailblazer in Cricket Administration
Jay Shah’s journey in cricket administration began in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), where he played a pivotal role in developing the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium.
In 2019, Shah joined the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), becoming its youngest-ever honorary Secretary. His contributions have significantly shaped Indian cricket and positioned him as a visionary leader.
Shah’s unanimous election in August 2024 as ICC Chairman underscores the trust and confidence of the global cricketing community in his leadership.
Acknowledging Greg Barclay’s Legacy
As Shah steps into his role, he paid tribute to his predecessor, Greg Barclay, who served as ICC Chairman from November 2020.
“I would like to thank Greg Barclay for his leadership over the past four years and the milestones achieved during that period. I look forward to building on his legacy as we expand cricket’s reach and evolve the game on the global stage,” Shah remarked.
A Proud Moment for India
Jay Shah’s appointment as ICC Chairman marks another proud chapter for Indian cricket on the global stage. His leadership promises an exciting era for the sport, with a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and the continued growth of cricket across all formats.
Stay updated with the latest developments in the cricketing world on the Board of Sports in India (BOSI) website.
